Thanks for all the protein advice! I normally am very good about it, but just really slipped the other day. I am hesitant to try (again) the Cliff bars because I had a baaaad experience one time. I have a pretty sensitive stomach and it didn't settle well. I'm thinking about possibly trying it again since I was in the grocery store last night and it has way more protein than my usual Luna (9 grams) or Pria bars (8 grams). But then it begs the question, is more better? I'm good about eating a healthy diet, but I'm very bad about knowing how much, when, and with what other types of foods. I mean, dietians go to school for this stuff. Is 20 grams of protein better than 8 grams of protein for a pre-workout snack? I always do a protein shake or chocolate milk with some protein powder added after my workout (and within 30 minutes) but after talking it over with my old trainer who used to train Olymic athletes. So confusing!!! Help!
Yesterday was an unusual day at the office (that's for a whole different posting), but my diet was more normal:
Breakfast: yogurt with some granola, banana with organic PB and some green tea
Morning snack: handful of almonds
Lunch: Potbelly's -- yum! Half veggie and half tuna sandwich. And a yummy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. I LOVE their cookies!
Mid-afternoon snack: Oops... missed it due to the craziness of the day
Pre-workout snack: oatmeal
Post-workout snack: chocolate milk with a shot of protein powder
Last night I had a great workout -- 3 mile run and a leg workout filled with weighted lunges, squats and some machine work. My body was so sore from this week's workouts, so some serious stretching was heaven afterwards.
TGIF!!!! (Although it's snowing like crazy... again)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Protein? What protein?
So, I say I'm back into training mode. Well... apparently not quite.
Today was a scheduled 40-minute tempo run. Started out fine, but about midway I felt like complete crap. At first I thought it was because I've been working out pretty hard and my body was just tired. But... I feel really, really crappy. Hmmm.... For some reason, I started to think back through the day and what I ate (or didn't).
Breakfast: oatmeal, banana and yogurt
Lunch: had a lunch meeting and lunch was ordered in. I had two little (like appetizer size) veggie roll-ups (spinach wrap, a little bit of hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber), fruit and a cookie
Pre-workout snack: noodles and a piece of bread (found some yummy garlic Italian bread -- crusty on the outside and soft in the inside) -- I know, not the best pre-workout snack but I ran home first and was looking for something to grab quickly.
Hmmm... lack of protein anyone? Definitely not what I normally eat! Usually when I'm training I'm very dedicated on my meals. Even if I have lunch meetings, dinner out, happy hour, etc. I'm pretty good about sticking to a "training" diet. And, lots of time I'll make sure I have appropriate snacks to supplement just in case. Not this time. The part that bothers me -- I never even thought about it ahead of time. Thus, I felt like CRAP during my workout.
I left the gym feeling very disappointed, like I totally wasted a workout and kicking myself for not eating appropriately. Lunch meeting tomorrow, too, but guess what? Not making that same mistake!
Today was a scheduled 40-minute tempo run. Started out fine, but about midway I felt like complete crap. At first I thought it was because I've been working out pretty hard and my body was just tired. But... I feel really, really crappy. Hmmm.... For some reason, I started to think back through the day and what I ate (or didn't).
Breakfast: oatmeal, banana and yogurt
Lunch: had a lunch meeting and lunch was ordered in. I had two little (like appetizer size) veggie roll-ups (spinach wrap, a little bit of hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber), fruit and a cookie
Pre-workout snack: noodles and a piece of bread (found some yummy garlic Italian bread -- crusty on the outside and soft in the inside) -- I know, not the best pre-workout snack but I ran home first and was looking for something to grab quickly.
Hmmm... lack of protein anyone? Definitely not what I normally eat! Usually when I'm training I'm very dedicated on my meals. Even if I have lunch meetings, dinner out, happy hour, etc. I'm pretty good about sticking to a "training" diet. And, lots of time I'll make sure I have appropriate snacks to supplement just in case. Not this time. The part that bothers me -- I never even thought about it ahead of time. Thus, I felt like CRAP during my workout.
I left the gym feeling very disappointed, like I totally wasted a workout and kicking myself for not eating appropriately. Lunch meeting tomorrow, too, but guess what? Not making that same mistake!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Dedication
Since I'm officially training for a race, my dedication level has risen immensely.
Sunday morning, I got up early so I could head to the gym before a packed day. Ran a nice 3 miles to stretch out my legs and enjoyed some good stretching. (The day was then filled with breakfast with JP's family, doing a few errands and then heading to my parent's house for my dad's birthday party.)
Last night, I met up with one of my old college roommates for dinner. We tried out this relatively new place. I think it would be a good, low-key, happy hour meeting place, but not really for dinner. It was a good place for young professionals to kick back, loosen up the tie and have a pomagrante martini (Have I mentioned this is my new fav?). The lobster mac and cheese was good, but nearly what I was expecting after reading all the rave reviews.
Afterwards, I trucked it to the gym and got in a really good weight session in. I haven't hit the weights in a LOOOONG time, so I took it slow and easy so I wouldn't be so sore I wouldn't be able to reach up and wash my hair in the morning. It felt so good!
Tonight is 4 miles and it's going to have to be in the gym. We got a lot of snow last night and it's still coming down!
Oh, and Tori... this is for you. I tapped into my domestic side and baked some banana bread on Friday night...
Saturday, February 23, 2008
"... snowflakes on my nose and eyelashes..."
... make that FROST on my hat, clothes, nose, eyelashes, hair... Passing guys with facial hair was pretty funny because everything was all white!
It was COLD out there today! After my run, my car said it was 9-degrees. That was 1 1/2 hours AFTER I started. Brrr.... A co-worker convinced me to join her local running club this morning. We met at a nearby metro park at 7:30 a.m. Now, I'm not really against running clubs -- I think it's great -- but I never thought it was something for me. I enjoy running by myself and doing my own thing. But, I went out on a limb and decided to try it.
The people were great and really, really nice. Everyone kinda did their own thing and little packs broke off. I was with one group for a little while, but they started to fall back so I ran a majority of my run by myself. I was pleased with my splits though, especially considering I still feel like I'm in the "getting in shape" part of the training. Splits were:
Mile 1: 9:55
Mile 2: 9:57
Mile 3: 9:57
Mile 4: 9:40
Mile 5: 9:46
Mile 6: 9:59
Mile 7: 10:07
Mile 8: 10:08
I must say the scenery was beautiful. The pretty white snow was glistening in the sunlight and the birds singing was the only sound that early in the morning. Afterwards, the group met at a nearby Starbucks to warm up a little bit. I went and enjoyed everyone's company. I think I'll go again and maybe I'll even become a running club member... :)
It was COLD out there today! After my run, my car said it was 9-degrees. That was 1 1/2 hours AFTER I started. Brrr.... A co-worker convinced me to join her local running club this morning. We met at a nearby metro park at 7:30 a.m. Now, I'm not really against running clubs -- I think it's great -- but I never thought it was something for me. I enjoy running by myself and doing my own thing. But, I went out on a limb and decided to try it.
The people were great and really, really nice. Everyone kinda did their own thing and little packs broke off. I was with one group for a little while, but they started to fall back so I ran a majority of my run by myself. I was pleased with my splits though, especially considering I still feel like I'm in the "getting in shape" part of the training. Splits were:
Mile 1: 9:55
Mile 2: 9:57
Mile 3: 9:57
Mile 4: 9:40
Mile 5: 9:46
Mile 6: 9:59
Mile 7: 10:07
Mile 8: 10:08
I must say the scenery was beautiful. The pretty white snow was glistening in the sunlight and the birds singing was the only sound that early in the morning. Afterwards, the group met at a nearby Starbucks to warm up a little bit. I went and enjoyed everyone's company. I think I'll go again and maybe I'll even become a running club member... :)
Friday, February 22, 2008
The "D"
Well... this isn't what you like to see on the front page of MSN.com ...
HOWEVER, Detroit is really working hard to turn things around and show others that there are lots of great things going for the city. We are turning things around and hopefully all will see that in the (near?) future. I'm proud to say I'm from The "D" (okay, really live in the burbs, but I work downtown)!
P.S. If you ever wanted to know what my office looks like... here you go. The big one on the right. Isn't it beautiful!?!?! It's a great view of the river, into Canada and southern Michigan.
HOWEVER, Detroit is really working hard to turn things around and show others that there are lots of great things going for the city. We are turning things around and hopefully all will see that in the (near?) future. I'm proud to say I'm from The "D" (okay, really live in the burbs, but I work downtown)!
P.S. If you ever wanted to know what my office looks like... here you go. The big one on the right. Isn't it beautiful!?!?! It's a great view of the river, into Canada and southern Michigan.
TGIF!!!
I tore up the repeat workout yesterday. 7 x 400 -- wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it was going to be. And, since the track is 1/11 of a mile, I actually did a little bit more than a quarter mile.
My dumb watch isn't working properly, so I can only recall two of the seven times:
Set 1: 2:04:66
Set 2: 2:01:45
If my memory serves me correctly, I was pretty consistent with my times. It was suppose to be my 5k pace, but this is a bit faster. Oh well... it felt good and I'm all about letting myself go and just run. This way I can push myself and see what I can really do.
Easy 3 miles tonight and an 8 mile run on Saturday. I'm starting to feel stronger, which is such a great feeling. And... thank goodness it's Friday!!!
My dumb watch isn't working properly, so I can only recall two of the seven times:
Set 1: 2:04:66
Set 2: 2:01:45
If my memory serves me correctly, I was pretty consistent with my times. It was suppose to be my 5k pace, but this is a bit faster. Oh well... it felt good and I'm all about letting myself go and just run. This way I can push myself and see what I can really do.
Easy 3 miles tonight and an 8 mile run on Saturday. I'm starting to feel stronger, which is such a great feeling. And... thank goodness it's Friday!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tech Running
It's been a month since I got the Nike iPod thing, but I finally ordered the holder for my non-Nike shoe. And... a new armband case since my old one isn't made to hold the little extension thing. I'm a techie runner in the making. :)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Quick random thoughts
* I'm ready for spring -- it's too cold out.
* Yesterday I wore my knee high, high-heeled boots (could be deemed slutty or fashionable -- all depends on how you wear it ... or so I would like to believe) to work yesterday. Sometimes, shoes are power (or at least make you feel more powerful and adds a little more confidence to your day).
* JP went to price out kitchen appliances yesterday. Apart from being expensive, the funniest part was when he was explaining his discussion with the sales guy on washer/dryers. He asked JP if he was planning on having kids. He said not for a few years. In the back of his head he was thinking, "Is this guy trying to scare me into buying a bigger, and thus more expensive, machine? I mean, how big can kid clothes be?" It was so freaking funny! I tried to bite my lip since he was serious and just continued explaining the shopping trip, but I couldn't help but bust out laughing.
* Didn't get out of the office until after 7 p.m. last night, so my run/weight training didn't happen. Repeat workout tonight... could either be a blast or a huge pain... only time will tell.
* It's only Wednesday and I've been wishing it was Friday since I woke up on Monday morning. I keep telling myself not to wish time away.
* The sun is shining, which means spring has to be on the way. Life is good. :)
* Yesterday I wore my knee high, high-heeled boots (could be deemed slutty or fashionable -- all depends on how you wear it ... or so I would like to believe) to work yesterday. Sometimes, shoes are power (or at least make you feel more powerful and adds a little more confidence to your day).
* JP went to price out kitchen appliances yesterday. Apart from being expensive, the funniest part was when he was explaining his discussion with the sales guy on washer/dryers. He asked JP if he was planning on having kids. He said not for a few years. In the back of his head he was thinking, "Is this guy trying to scare me into buying a bigger, and thus more expensive, machine? I mean, how big can kid clothes be?" It was so freaking funny! I tried to bite my lip since he was serious and just continued explaining the shopping trip, but I couldn't help but bust out laughing.
* Didn't get out of the office until after 7 p.m. last night, so my run/weight training didn't happen. Repeat workout tonight... could either be a blast or a huge pain... only time will tell.
* It's only Wednesday and I've been wishing it was Friday since I woke up on Monday morning. I keep telling myself not to wish time away.
* The sun is shining, which means spring has to be on the way. Life is good. :)
Monday, February 18, 2008
After an icy start, yesterday was a pretty busy day. The parking lot (and my car) was completely covered in ice! Is it spring yet?
After church, I headed out to meet the girls for lunch. There's a few of us from college that try to get togther once a month or so. One girl just got engaged so, of course, we had to see the ring and
hear all about the wedding plans! We met at this cute little place named, "Toast". It was standing room only for 30-45 minutes, but well worth it. The food was really good and I loved the egg white, goat cheese, green pepper and sun-dried tomato omlete. Plus, marble rye toast... SO FREAKING GOOD. Plus, that isn't something you can find anywhere. YUM! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it again. I've always heard good things about this place, but this is the first time I've been there.
Afterward, I headed to the gym for a nice and easy 3 mile run. I was on the treadmill for about 1 1/2 miles, but was about to scream it was so boring. So, I jumped off and finished on the track. Uggg.. I hate counting laps, but not nearly as much as I hate running in place on the treadmill. Did some arms and core work and was sore by evening.
Well, better get some work done. Hope everyone has a great day!
After church, I headed out to meet the girls for lunch. There's a few of us from college that try to get togther once a month or so. One girl just got engaged so, of course, we had to see the ring and
hear all about the wedding plans! We met at this cute little place named, "Toast". It was standing room only for 30-45 minutes, but well worth it. The food was really good and I loved the egg white, goat cheese, green pepper and sun-dried tomato omlete. Plus, marble rye toast... SO FREAKING GOOD. Plus, that isn't something you can find anywhere. YUM! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it again. I've always heard good things about this place, but this is the first time I've been there.Afterward, I headed to the gym for a nice and easy 3 mile run. I was on the treadmill for about 1 1/2 miles, but was about to scream it was so boring. So, I jumped off and finished on the track. Uggg.. I hate counting laps, but not nearly as much as I hate running in place on the treadmill. Did some arms and core work and was sore by evening.
Well, better get some work done. Hope everyone has a great day!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
brisk morning run
I'm baaack....
As much as I wanted to hit snooze when my alarm went off at 7 a.m., I sucked it up and got ready for my 7 mile run. Last night I checked the weather and it said 6-degrees for 6 a.m. yeah... I'm thinking another boring run on the treadmill. As I was getting dressed, I looked at the temp and it said 18-degrees. Okay, if I layer (A LOT) that's a doable, plus it looks like it's going to be sunny. Convinced myself that this was a better option and started to layer up.
I'm so glad I did. It was a clear, brisk, quiet morning and I really enjoyed the run. I thought to myself, "oh yeah. You're back. This is the tough, look-forward-to-early-morning-long-runs-no-matter-the-conditions girl. This is the dedicated and focused girl that I missed." It was a good feeling. Apparently the mile markers weren't quite where I thought they were (did venture off the beaten path a bit) -- some "miles" were 7 minutes and some were 13 minutes. All in all, I probably averaged around 10:00 pace. Took a little icy spill when I was about half mile from home, but no serious injuries. Plus, it was cold so I couldn't really tell if I banged my knee or not. :) Can I just shout it again... "I'M SO GLAD TO BE TRAINING AGAIN!!!!!!"
When I got home, I huried up to shower and eat breakfast before we had to head out to see some more houses. None compared to the one we saw last weekend. i think that says a lot. We're going to look a few more and then figure it out from there. It's pretty overwhelming, very scary but really exciting.
Lunch with the girls tomorrow and then an easy run and some weight training tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great run today!
As much as I wanted to hit snooze when my alarm went off at 7 a.m., I sucked it up and got ready for my 7 mile run. Last night I checked the weather and it said 6-degrees for 6 a.m. yeah... I'm thinking another boring run on the treadmill. As I was getting dressed, I looked at the temp and it said 18-degrees. Okay, if I layer (A LOT) that's a doable, plus it looks like it's going to be sunny. Convinced myself that this was a better option and started to layer up.
I'm so glad I did. It was a clear, brisk, quiet morning and I really enjoyed the run. I thought to myself, "oh yeah. You're back. This is the tough, look-forward-to-early-morning-long-runs-no-matter-the-conditions girl. This is the dedicated and focused girl that I missed." It was a good feeling. Apparently the mile markers weren't quite where I thought they were (did venture off the beaten path a bit) -- some "miles" were 7 minutes and some were 13 minutes. All in all, I probably averaged around 10:00 pace. Took a little icy spill when I was about half mile from home, but no serious injuries. Plus, it was cold so I couldn't really tell if I banged my knee or not. :) Can I just shout it again... "I'M SO GLAD TO BE TRAINING AGAIN!!!!!!"
When I got home, I huried up to shower and eat breakfast before we had to head out to see some more houses. None compared to the one we saw last weekend. i think that says a lot. We're going to look a few more and then figure it out from there. It's pretty overwhelming, very scary but really exciting.
Lunch with the girls tomorrow and then an easy run and some weight training tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great run today!
Friday, February 15, 2008
I love vacation days!
After working an insane amount the past few months, I had a couple of v2007 acations days that I needed to use this month. Today was the lucky day I got to sleep in ... a little bit.
I slept in a bit this morning, but had to get ready for my girl doctor appointment. Oh how I dread the girl doctor annual. I assure you, laying spread eagle in a cold room isn't my idea of the perfect day off. However, it's important and I'm glad to say it's over for yet another year. Hopefully 2008 will be the year I don't become a lab speciman again and have more doctors than I can count fooling around down there. Wait... that didn't sound right. What I meant was.... Oh hell -- here's to a healthy and as-pain-free-as-possible year!
After all the fun, I went to the gym for an easy 3 mile run. Friday is usually my rest day, but since I missed a few runs due to weather this week I thought I'd better get my butt in there. My splits were:
Mile 1: 9:11
Mile 2: 9:20
Mile 3: 9:35
Ouch -- miss those negative split days. They'll be back... just gotta stick to my training plan. Seven miles scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'm so excited!
Oh, I got some beautiful flowers from JP yesterday. Forgot to take a picture to post. He had them on the table when I got to his house, loaded down with groceries to make a nice dinner for two. After some yummy crab legs, mashed potatoes and sweet corn, we settled down to watch Lipstick Jungle. What a great guy :)
Seeing more houses tomorrow and hopefully dinner with friends. Looking forward to a great weekend. Stay warm on those long runs everyone (and if you live somewhere warm, send it this way!).
I slept in a bit this morning, but had to get ready for my girl doctor appointment. Oh how I dread the girl doctor annual. I assure you, laying spread eagle in a cold room isn't my idea of the perfect day off. However, it's important and I'm glad to say it's over for yet another year. Hopefully 2008 will be the year I don't become a lab speciman again and have more doctors than I can count fooling around down there. Wait... that didn't sound right. What I meant was.... Oh hell -- here's to a healthy and as-pain-free-as-possible year!
After all the fun, I went to the gym for an easy 3 mile run. Friday is usually my rest day, but since I missed a few runs due to weather this week I thought I'd better get my butt in there. My splits were:
Mile 1: 9:11
Mile 2: 9:20
Mile 3: 9:35
Ouch -- miss those negative split days. They'll be back... just gotta stick to my training plan. Seven miles scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'm so excited!
Oh, I got some beautiful flowers from JP yesterday. Forgot to take a picture to post. He had them on the table when I got to his house, loaded down with groceries to make a nice dinner for two. After some yummy crab legs, mashed potatoes and sweet corn, we settled down to watch Lipstick Jungle. What a great guy :)
Seeing more houses tomorrow and hopefully dinner with friends. Looking forward to a great weekend. Stay warm on those long runs everyone (and if you live somewhere warm, send it this way!).
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
I saw this on Google this morning, and LOVE it. I don't think you can sum it up any better than this:
Hope everyone has a great day filled with love and happiness!
Hope everyone has a great day filled with love and happiness!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
So much going on!
Lots going on lately --
First, I'm really disappointed that I couldn't go to a special cocktail hour tonight. It was with the fashion director of Elle magazine. Due to the stupid snow I couldn't get there on time. I kept driving towards home and it took me 3 hours to get there. Is it spring yet!?!?!?! Seriously. How often does an opportunity like this happen? I'm really bummed I missed it, since I was really looking forward to it.
Let's see... lots of other stuff going on. Saturday I ran 6 miles on the dreaded treadmill. I figured if I was going to do a half marathon this spring, I better get on some sort of plan. The last 1 1/2 miles were a little tough, but it felt good after I was done. It was an accomplishment that I haven't done in quite a long time. Afterwards, I decided on an April 6 half marathon. It's a little close, but I think I have a strong enough foundation that I'll be okay. I'm so excited! I have a race and a training plan!
Later in the day, JP and I went to see a house that he really likes. It's beautiful, brand new and almost perfect. The downer? There's water in the basement. So... we just have to decide if it's something we can easily (and not too costly) fix and then we're done. We're not up for dealing with water issues for the next few years. Yep... we're moving forward and really thinking about our future together. It's such a fun and exciting stage of our relationship!
Sunday, we went to a farewell luncheon for a young girl from Haiti that one of JP's co-workers church sponsored to get some medical care she badly needed. She has been in the US for a few months, and actually living with JP's co-worker. It was so touching to see everyone (including the doctors who operated on her) come together to celebrate the successful operation and to hear from her (through a translater) her thankfulness for the awesome experience she had ... made possible from strangers, in a different country, speaking a language she doesn't know. It was quite powerful, to say the least. She will be returning home at the end of the month, so we were happy to be a part of the big send-off celebration.
Later that afternoon, we went to the Detroit Piston's game. Floor seats, 4th row. It was such a fun game!!!!!! Good people watching, too. Like the lip-injected, huge ass diamond ring, we think cheating on her husband with a much younger man, woman in front of us. You know, the usual... :)
Yesterday, I found out one of my best friends since elementary school is having a baby!!!!! She's due in September. Her husband is keeping his fingers crossed for a boy but regardless, it'll be fun to meet the little peanut.
Okay, I gave blood earlier today so I wasn't able to workout. So, I think it's time to get ready for bed and turn in early. Yay for warm flannel sheets!!!
First, I'm really disappointed that I couldn't go to a special cocktail hour tonight. It was with the fashion director of Elle magazine. Due to the stupid snow I couldn't get there on time. I kept driving towards home and it took me 3 hours to get there. Is it spring yet!?!?!?! Seriously. How often does an opportunity like this happen? I'm really bummed I missed it, since I was really looking forward to it.
Let's see... lots of other stuff going on. Saturday I ran 6 miles on the dreaded treadmill. I figured if I was going to do a half marathon this spring, I better get on some sort of plan. The last 1 1/2 miles were a little tough, but it felt good after I was done. It was an accomplishment that I haven't done in quite a long time. Afterwards, I decided on an April 6 half marathon. It's a little close, but I think I have a strong enough foundation that I'll be okay. I'm so excited! I have a race and a training plan!
Later in the day, JP and I went to see a house that he really likes. It's beautiful, brand new and almost perfect. The downer? There's water in the basement. So... we just have to decide if it's something we can easily (and not too costly) fix and then we're done. We're not up for dealing with water issues for the next few years. Yep... we're moving forward and really thinking about our future together. It's such a fun and exciting stage of our relationship!
Sunday, we went to a farewell luncheon for a young girl from Haiti that one of JP's co-workers church sponsored to get some medical care she badly needed. She has been in the US for a few months, and actually living with JP's co-worker. It was so touching to see everyone (including the doctors who operated on her) come together to celebrate the successful operation and to hear from her (through a translater) her thankfulness for the awesome experience she had ... made possible from strangers, in a different country, speaking a language she doesn't know. It was quite powerful, to say the least. She will be returning home at the end of the month, so we were happy to be a part of the big send-off celebration.
Later that afternoon, we went to the Detroit Piston's game. Floor seats, 4th row. It was such a fun game!!!!!! Good people watching, too. Like the lip-injected, huge ass diamond ring, we think cheating on her husband with a much younger man, woman in front of us. You know, the usual... :)
Yesterday, I found out one of my best friends since elementary school is having a baby!!!!! She's due in September. Her husband is keeping his fingers crossed for a boy but regardless, it'll be fun to meet the little peanut.
Okay, I gave blood earlier today so I wasn't able to workout. So, I think it's time to get ready for bed and turn in early. Yay for warm flannel sheets!!!
Friday, February 08, 2008
mmmm.... cheeeese....
Last night I was totally PMS-ing and was CRAVING cheese sticks. It was late, so running out to get a snack wasn't really an option. I'm surprised I didn't dream about fried cheese; that's how much I wanted it!
I was suppose to have an appointment this afternoon, but it got cancelled on
my way there. Since I was almost home, I opted to work the rest of the day from home. Somehow, my car just steered itself to the grocery store and a box of frozen cheese sticks jumped into my shopping basket. Awful for you (I won't even say how many grams of fat were in one serving), but tasted damn good.
Working the rest of the afternoon and then to the gym for a run (hmm... how many miles will I have to run to work off 9 cheese sticks...? Why there were 9 in the box is beyond me.)
Yesterday I ran outside and nearly broke my neck on the ice. It felt good to be out there and I'm really looking forward to a good run tonight.
I was suppose to have an appointment this afternoon, but it got cancelled on
my way there. Since I was almost home, I opted to work the rest of the day from home. Somehow, my car just steered itself to the grocery store and a box of frozen cheese sticks jumped into my shopping basket. Awful for you (I won't even say how many grams of fat were in one serving), but tasted damn good.Working the rest of the afternoon and then to the gym for a run (hmm... how many miles will I have to run to work off 9 cheese sticks...? Why there were 9 in the box is beyond me.)
Yesterday I ran outside and nearly broke my neck on the ice. It felt good to be out there and I'm really looking forward to a good run tonight.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Rain, snow, sleet...
Yesterday afternoon we pretty much had rain, snow and sleet -- sometimes one at a time and sometimes all three at once. It made for a long commute home.
As I'm inching home, I'm trying to decide if I'm still going to the gym. Do you ever question the line of craziness and dedication? Really, I'm not being sarcastic. On one hand, I'm running inside and the gym isn't far from my house. Not a big deal. On the other hand, isn't it smart to just get home, off the roads and stay inside when they're calling for a winter storm advisory? Hmm... sad when something like this isn't more clear cut.
I opted to go to the gym and was actually surprised by the amount of vehicles in the parking lot. However, when I got into the locker room I realized I had forgotten to pack a sports bra. No working out without that (although, aparently some girls thinks it's okay as my previous gym workout proved...), so I packed up, turned around and went home. Thank goodness for my Women's Health DVD. I did cardio, arms, legs and stretching and am actually a little sore this morning. It wasn't a run, but I'm glad I did something. Looking forward to my run tonight!
As I'm inching home, I'm trying to decide if I'm still going to the gym. Do you ever question the line of craziness and dedication? Really, I'm not being sarcastic. On one hand, I'm running inside and the gym isn't far from my house. Not a big deal. On the other hand, isn't it smart to just get home, off the roads and stay inside when they're calling for a winter storm advisory? Hmm... sad when something like this isn't more clear cut.
I opted to go to the gym and was actually surprised by the amount of vehicles in the parking lot. However, when I got into the locker room I realized I had forgotten to pack a sports bra. No working out without that (although, aparently some girls thinks it's okay as my previous gym workout proved...), so I packed up, turned around and went home. Thank goodness for my Women's Health DVD. I did cardio, arms, legs and stretching and am actually a little sore this morning. It wasn't a run, but I'm glad I did something. Looking forward to my run tonight!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Are you kidding me??
Before I begin my rant, let me put a disclaimer that I'm majorly PMS-ing.
Okay. That said...
I left work a little early tonight and was super excited that I was going to get home early enough to run outside. It was (notice, I said was) warm earlier today -- low 40-degrees -- and I got a taste of running the roads this past weekend. (It's now raining/snowing and a big slushy mess outside now, just 5 hours later). On the way home, one of my clients called and needed something. No problem. I'll get home, check my email quickly and then get out for my run.
Sounds good in theory. My dumb wireless wasn't working and I couldn't get online. Grrrr... by the time it kicked in it was completely dark outside and I was pissed.
I changed my clothes and drove to the gym. I was really worked up and took it out on the treadmill. I turned up my iPod, banged out 4 miles and didn't really calm down until about 3.5 miles in. Also got in some good arm and core work. I think part of the reason why it took me so long to get it all out, was that I was completely surrounded by idiots. (I promise I'm a nice person and only think these bitchy thoughts on occasion!)
Idiot #1. Girl "walking" on the treadmill next to me. Get. Off. The. Cell. Phone. I don't care if the girl on the other side is skinner than you. If she insists you are, don't argue. Oh, and by the way. I think I walk faster through my house than you were working out at the gym.
Idiot #2. Old guy that jumps on a treadmill with an incline of about 45-degrees. There's a button that allows you to level it out a bit. It was pretty funny though. I thought at any second his feet were going to jump out behind him and he'd look like Superman as he was hanging onto the handle.
Idiot #3. Girl whose workout clothes pretty much look like what I wear to bed. A little tank (without a bra) that looks like a camisole and short, tight boy shorts that look like my underwear. Both were black and made of some shiny material. Seriously. What were you thinking. And no bra... at all... while you're running... Are you kidding me? (She probably should have been #1, but I'm doing in order of stupid incounter.)
Idiot #4. Guy doing kung-fu kicks around the track. Stop it. You're not even doing it right.
Idiot #5. Person behind me... when the machine makes a loud, clanking noise that I can hear over my music.... GET OFF THE MACHINE. It obviously isn't working correctly and the noise is annoying to the rest of us trying to work out our frustrations.
Okay. Those were just the highlights. Seriously, one of the above would have been bad enough, but all of them combined? Way too much for me to handle tonight. My frustration is gone now, and I'm just glad I got a good workout in. Watching more coverage on Super Tuesday and then I'm ready for bed. Can't wait to see what's in the gym tomorrow. :)
Okay. That said...
I left work a little early tonight and was super excited that I was going to get home early enough to run outside. It was (notice, I said was) warm earlier today -- low 40-degrees -- and I got a taste of running the roads this past weekend. (It's now raining/snowing and a big slushy mess outside now, just 5 hours later). On the way home, one of my clients called and needed something. No problem. I'll get home, check my email quickly and then get out for my run.
Sounds good in theory. My dumb wireless wasn't working and I couldn't get online. Grrrr... by the time it kicked in it was completely dark outside and I was pissed.
I changed my clothes and drove to the gym. I was really worked up and took it out on the treadmill. I turned up my iPod, banged out 4 miles and didn't really calm down until about 3.5 miles in. Also got in some good arm and core work. I think part of the reason why it took me so long to get it all out, was that I was completely surrounded by idiots. (I promise I'm a nice person and only think these bitchy thoughts on occasion!)
Idiot #1. Girl "walking" on the treadmill next to me. Get. Off. The. Cell. Phone. I don't care if the girl on the other side is skinner than you. If she insists you are, don't argue. Oh, and by the way. I think I walk faster through my house than you were working out at the gym.
Idiot #2. Old guy that jumps on a treadmill with an incline of about 45-degrees. There's a button that allows you to level it out a bit. It was pretty funny though. I thought at any second his feet were going to jump out behind him and he'd look like Superman as he was hanging onto the handle.
Idiot #3. Girl whose workout clothes pretty much look like what I wear to bed. A little tank (without a bra) that looks like a camisole and short, tight boy shorts that look like my underwear. Both were black and made of some shiny material. Seriously. What were you thinking. And no bra... at all... while you're running... Are you kidding me? (She probably should have been #1, but I'm doing in order of stupid incounter.)
Idiot #4. Guy doing kung-fu kicks around the track. Stop it. You're not even doing it right.
Idiot #5. Person behind me... when the machine makes a loud, clanking noise that I can hear over my music.... GET OFF THE MACHINE. It obviously isn't working correctly and the noise is annoying to the rest of us trying to work out our frustrations.
Okay. Those were just the highlights. Seriously, one of the above would have been bad enough, but all of them combined? Way too much for me to handle tonight. My frustration is gone now, and I'm just glad I got a good workout in. Watching more coverage on Super Tuesday and then I'm ready for bed. Can't wait to see what's in the gym tomorrow. :)
Official race results are in
Well... I did a little better than I thought. It was a 9:20 pace, with a final time of 28:57. I was 42/88 in my age group, so at least it was in the (barely) top half.
Again, it was so fun and last night I think I decided to do a half in the summer and a full in the fall. It just felt so great being out there and I love training for something. Oh boy -- the race calendar is filling up! :)
Again, it was so fun and last night I think I decided to do a half in the summer and a full in the fall. It just felt so great being out there and I love training for something. Oh boy -- the race calendar is filling up! :)
Monday, February 04, 2008
This is why I run
What a fun kick-off to the racing season. A brisk (almost 30-degree) morning run to get the blood flowing the the metabolism racing so you can drink all the beer and eat all the muchies you want during the game. :)
Really, I had a great time. It's been awhile since I've done a 5k, and it was a perfect way to ease back into the running world. I was about a 9:30 pace. Not awesome, but I was shooting for under 10:00 pace so I reached my goal. The roads were cleared and it was an easy loop around a small shopping area. However, there were two hills (ie. two small inclines that I otherwise wouldn't have even noticed as inclines, but my badly out of shape legs were feeling it), which made me realize, "hey, you need to get your butt in shape."
Afterwards, there was pizza, subs and pint glasses. I caught up with a few friends and chatted for a bit. It was so nice just hanging out after a race... gosh, I really missed it! Can't wait for some sort of St. Patty's Day race, I just have to figure out which one I'm doing. It feels good to be back!
Last night, we went to a friend's house to watch the game. His basement is every guy's dream. Movie screen, theater seating (3 levels) with cushy, reclining chairs that even have a cup holder in the arm so you can have your beer close, fuse ball table, bar, popcorn machine, video game systems galore... he has it all. It was beautiful and every 10 minutes JP leaned over to tell me this is what his basement is going to look like. I told him it would be okay as long as I get a room to build a gym for me. :)
Well... better get back to work... Hope everyone is having a good Monday!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Financial Fitness
I've always been Jekell and Hyde when it comes to financial matter. Balancing a check book? Nope. Never done it. Investing? Bought my first stocks when I was 18-years-old and opened a Roth IRA about 5 years ago. Polar opposites... I know.
JP has always been very disciplined about keeping everything balanced and knowing were he spent every dime. Enter me. He got out of the habit, computer crashed, townhouse exploded and boom, here we are today. We've been saying for about a year that we need to both get in the habit of being more diciplined. We decided every Friday night we would be boring and do our finances. JP got on board again and I decided I needed to do it. Tonight, we finally did it.
We grabbed a quick dinner and, instead of going to the movies like we wanted to do, sat down in
front of the computer and dove into the numbers. I learned how to balance my checking account and set it up so I can see my total net worth. It sounds nerdy, but I'm so proud of us. We did it. Together. We figured this is something we need to:
JP has always been very disciplined about keeping everything balanced and knowing were he spent every dime. Enter me. He got out of the habit, computer crashed, townhouse exploded and boom, here we are today. We've been saying for about a year that we need to both get in the habit of being more diciplined. We decided every Friday night we would be boring and do our finances. JP got on board again and I decided I needed to do it. Tonight, we finally did it.
We grabbed a quick dinner and, instead of going to the movies like we wanted to do, sat down in
front of the computer and dove into the numbers. I learned how to balance my checking account and set it up so I can see my total net worth. It sounds nerdy, but I'm so proud of us. We did it. Together. We figured this is something we need to:a) be better disciplined, and
b) learn how to do this (semi) together.
No worries -- no merging of accounts now, but we're setting up the foundation for our future. Wow. Sounds pretty grown-up... :)
Hope everyone is having a fun Friday night (or enjoying balancing their spending/saving for the week).
Hope everyone is having a fun Friday night (or enjoying balancing their spending/saving for the week).
Let it snow, let it snow and let snow
I don't think we got the 10-inches of snow yet, but the snow was heavy enough and the roads were bad enough this morning that I opted to work from home today. Thankfully, this is an option.
Didn't get my workout in last night (again) because JP's flights home kept getting cancelled/changed/etc., that I needed to stay close to a computer. Plus, with the storm coming, I wanted to stock up the fridge and pantry. Seriously, by the looks of my fridge you'd think I was a bachelor -- barely anything in there.
Hoping the weather clears up at some point today so I can head to the gym. I just got a note about the 5k and it's still on. No whimps allowed! What have I gotten myself into? I'm not a big hero when it comes to running in the cold! :)
Didn't get my workout in last night (again) because JP's flights home kept getting cancelled/changed/etc., that I needed to stay close to a computer. Plus, with the storm coming, I wanted to stock up the fridge and pantry. Seriously, by the looks of my fridge you'd think I was a bachelor -- barely anything in there.
Hoping the weather clears up at some point today so I can head to the gym. I just got a note about the 5k and it's still on. No whimps allowed! What have I gotten myself into? I'm not a big hero when it comes to running in the cold! :)
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